Ramgarhia Gurdwara in Bradford offering langar amid cost of living crisis

Ramgarhia Gurdwara on Bolton Road is hosting langar, with people of all faiths or none welcome to join.

In Sikhism, langar is a community kitchen which serves food to people of all backgrounds. It is run by volunteers and only serves vegetarian food.

Ramgarhia’s community kitchen is open every day but runs at limited capacity, so people are encouraged to attend at lunchtime on Sundays, when more volunteers are there to help.

Dr Kuldip Kaur Bharj OBE, DL, president of Ramgarhia Gurdwara (far left), with fellow members

Dr Kuldip Kaur Bharj OBE, DL, who is the president of the Gurdwara, responded to an appeal by Strengthening Faith Institutions launched earlier this month, where places of worship in Bradford are being encouraged to open their doors for those in need.

“The purpose of the langar is to provide everyone in need of food with something to eat,” said Dr Bharj.

“Anyone, irrespective of caste, class, religion and gender is welcome.

“The whole concept is to empower the community. It is a mutual support network where people donate the food and make it together.

“It is also important to be respectful in the gurdwara in the same way you would be if you went to somebody’s house.

“So, anyone visiting the temple needs to cover their head as a mark of respect, take their shoes off before entering, and not be intoxicated or smoking.

“Apart from that, there aren’t many rules. Anybody is welcome.”

Dr Javed Bashir, who is a safeguarding consultant at Strengthening Faith Institutions, said that langar is particularly important given that many are struggling due to rising prices.

“People are facing the pinch after the price of gas and electricity soared last month,” he said.

Dr Javed Bashir (left) at the Gurdwara

“The pandemic, the war in Ukraine and Brexit have all contributed to many people turning to food banks and skipping meals.

“According to the Trussell Trust – the UK’s largest network of food banks – the use of food banks went up by 14 per cent last year and is expected to increase even more.”

Dr Bharj added that one of the core principles of langar is equality.

“Regardless of economic status, you sit together. Everyone eats the same meal and it brings people together,” she said.

“Food is something that should be available for everybody – so we welcome everyone at our gurdwara.”